faqs
speciality
what is your speciality?
Gabrielle enjoys a wide range of cuisines, and you see a lot of Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Still, her preference is to create menus with what is in season, and each menu will differ depending upon availability of product. Nothing beats summer berries, spring baby vegetables, autumn persimmons or fresh Alaskan halibut during the summer.
proposals
how do i request a proposal from seasons catering?
Please complete our Proposal Checklist with your specific event information to assist us in creating your cost proposal. Proposals are created for each individual client and are based on information specific to their event.
what does your proposal include?
Each proposal will include two menus priced per person, a staff estimate, a rental quote, and any additional services, bar equipment, vendor meals, and/or buffet décor.
will you work with my budget?
Everyone has a budget of some sort, large and small. Seasons will work with you to create a proposal that is within your specific budget. Often times people don’t know their budget until they start obtaining information to see what they can get for their money. Once that dollar amount is established, Seasons will work to revise the initial proposal to obtain the established budget.
will the proposal change if my guest count changes?
Prices quoted in proposal are based on the number of guests specified. Changes in guest count may result in a change in the menu price.
deposits
what kind of deposit is required to secure my event date?
A deposit of $1,000.00 will confirm the date. Parties booked less than four months in advance must pay a 50% deposit to secure our services.
is my deposit refundable?
In the event of a cancellation or postponement, the deposits made are nonrefundable and the customer shall be liable for all out-of-pocket costs sustained by Seasons Catering.
payments
how do we pay for seasons catering services?
Seasons accepts all major credit cards. Checks made out to Seasons Catering may be mailed to P.O. Box 660 Carpinteria, CA 93014.
when is final payment due?
Final payment is due three days prior to the event date. Any reimbursements or additional charges will be reimbursed or billed following the event.
when is final guest count due?
Seasons Catering requests a final guest count seven days prior to event. At this point, a final menu and service agreement will be provided and must be signed by the person financially responsible for event. If the count goes up after the client has given us the final count, no guarantee will be made as to the availability of all food products, staffing needs or the additional cost to produce extra meals.
rentals
are rentals included in your services?
As a part of our services, Seasons Catering is happy to provide you with a rental quote based on a site walk through. We will accompany you to the rental company of your choice to assist in determining rental needs. We generally work with Classic Party Rentals & Ventura Rentals. Please let us know if you prefer a bid from someone else.
who is responsible for the rentals?
Unless otherwise arranged, the client is responsible for accepting the delivery of the rentals. The client is responsible for all charges due to shortages and damages to the rental items.
do i pay seasons or the rental company for all rented equipment?
All rentals are charged directly to the client and will vary depending upon location and client’s needs.
service
do you have a service minimum?
A minimum of one kitchen staff and one wait staff with a four hour minimum is required for each event (drop off boxed lunches excluded).
will service charges change from the proposal?
All charges for staff will be based on actual hours worked at the event site and may vary from the estimate included in the proposal. If your event timing changes staff charges will change accordingly.
what if a staff member is injured at my event?
Workmen’s Compensation, applicable employment taxes and insurance are included in staffing costs.
what are your staffing fees?
| position | rate |
| Chef | $45/hour |
| Kitchen Staff | $25/hour |
| Set-up Staff | $25/hour |
| Event Director | $45/hour |
| Captain | $35/hour |
| Wait Staff | $30/hour |
| Bartender | $33/hour |
| Specialty Buffet Chef | Varies |
outside food
can i provide a portion of the menu or a specialty dessert from a source independent from seasons?
With the exception of wedding cake and certain desserts, all food items must be provided by Seasons Catering.
can i keep the leftovers from my event?
Due to safety concerns, no food shall be removed from event location by the client or attendees. For the health and safety of client and guests Seasons Catering does not provide any leftovers.
buffet
how many buffets are recommended for a group my size?
We recommend one buffet for every 75 guests.
do you offer buffet displays?
A custom buffet display is available for a fee of $100 per buffet.
tastings
do you offer tastings?
After reviewing your proposals and the custom menus created for your event; we are happy to schedule a meeting and tasting with you and Seasons’ executive chef and owner, Gabrielle Moes.
where do tastings take place?
Our tastings take place in our Ventura based kitchen.
is there a charge for tastings?
For each tasting there is an initial fee of $200 which is applied toward your balance when you book your event with Seasons.
what can i expect at my tasting?
The tasting provides you with one-on-one time with your chef to view the culinary experience that will take place behind the scenes at your event, while also allowing you to sample the quality and presentation of our food.
beverages
does seasons provide non-alcoholic beverages?
Seasons Catering may provide all non-alcoholic beverages for your event. Non alcoholic beverages include Coffee, Tea, Pellegrino, Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite.
can i provide my own non-alcoholic beverages?
If you choose to provide these items yourself, we will be happy to provide you with suggested quantities.
does seasons provide alcoholic beverage service?
Seasons Catering provides full bar set up for a fee of $250.00 per bar. Bar supplies include garnishes, such as lemons, limes, olives and onions, and bar equipment such as cork screws, straws, pourers, ice scoops, etc. Water and ice for the entire event is included with the full bar set-up fee.
can i provide my own alcoholic beverages?
Yes, the client is responsible for providing all alcohol. Please let us know if you would like assistance determining beer, wine, champagne and alcohol quantities.
do you charge a corkage fee?
No, we are happy to serve your beverages with no additional service or beverage fee.
service charge & gratuity
what is the service charge?
The Service Charge includes all meetings, site walk through, rental arrangements and updates, and administrative costs acquired throughout the planning process of your event. It is based on 15% of the food and beverage estimate. The Service Fee is not a gratuity.
is gratuity included on the final invoice?
Additional gratuity is at the discretion of the client. It is never required, but always appreciated.
garbage and recyclables
will seasons haul away trash and refuse?
The client is responsible for waste removal. The health department does not permit Seasons Catering to transport refuse in our catering vehicles. If the event site does not provide garbage disposal, Seasons Catering will arrange for disposal for an additional $300.00.
